We’ll it’s time to go home. This is the last long leg of our Westbound Round the World trip that included Singapore, Thailand, and Switzerland. We’ve been staying in Interlaken for the past few days and are flying home from Zurich. We’re riding with Swiss Air Lines on their A330-300 in Business Class. This is an older configuration that Swiss is in the process of retrofitting.
Unfortunately we got a notification that our flight was delayed, fortunately we got it before we left the hotel (Hotel Bellevue Interlaken Full Review) so we got about an extra hour to relax and get some breakfast before we drove to the airport.
Bottom Line: While delayed, I did enjoy Swiss Air Lines A330 Business Class offering. The seats are older but still comfortable and in better condition than I expected. The meals were good and the crew was friendly.
- Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Cabin
- Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Seat Features and Comfort
- Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Push Back and Takeoff
- Swiss Business Class Lunch Service
- Swiss Air Lines Business Class Amenity Kit
- Swiss Air Lines A330 Business Class In Flight
- Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Pre-arrival Snack
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Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Boarding
After spending a little while in the excellent Swiss Lounge here at Zurich, we headed to our gate for our delayed departure. Our Swiss A330 was waiting at the gate on a beautiful day.
Boarding quickly started and we headed down the jet bridge. I love glass jet bridges and think they need to be more common, especially in the US.
Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Cabin
The Swiss A330 Business Class cabin is divided into 2 sections. The forward section is small and just behind the first class cabin. The larger rear business class section is where we are sitting.
There are 45 total Business Class seats. The left side of the cabin has single seats next to the window, the right side alternates between 2 and 1 seat. The center section has 2 seats.
Our seats are the last two in the business class cabin. These seats alternate between being closer to the window or aisle. The ones closer to the windows are more private.
I was in a seat closer to the aisle while Val was behind me in a seat closest to the window.
Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Seat Features and Comfort
The Swiss A330 Business Class seats are forward facing and staggered. These seats more towards the aisle do feel a little bit like you’re sitting in the aisle, not my favorite but perfectly fine. In each seat there was a pillow and blanket.
On the right hand side there is a reading light, universal power port, and headphone jack. On the side table there are the seat controls and where the tray table is stowed.
There was a coat hanger in each seat, I put my jacket on it and a flight attendant came around hung it in the closet.
I settled into my seat. Just ahead you can see a water bottle and there’s another USB port for charging devices. But you can also see why this seat seams very public, you’re right next to the aisle and there’s not much privacy.
Seat controls are a little more complex than I like, but everything is there. There’s also control for the in seat massage and seat firmness. I don’t really get the point of those features, but they exist.
The in-seat IFE is where the seat starts to show its age. It’s just older and feels like it. I’ll talk about that later.
Outside it’s a beautiful day. The pilot told us the reason for the delay, the wind direction limits the number of arrivals and departures due to runway usage. So while it looks great outside, the weather is the reason for a delay.
Swiss Air Lines Business Class Menu
While we waited for boarding to complete, the flight attendant came around to distribute menus for the upcoming lunch service.
Swiss A330 Business Class Lunch Menu
Swiss A330 Business Class Lunch Menu
Swiss A330 Business Class Lunch Menu
At this time, there was also a pre-departure champagne offered. It was fine, nothing special.
Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Push Back and Takeoff
Inside the business class cabin, it looks like we’re almost ready to push back. The flight attendants are making their way around to do their checks after closing the door.
These seats do have a good view from two windows so that’s nice.
Little bit of an odd ball, just before push back we got hot towels, that’s different.
We then pushed back from the gate and headed towards the runway. We are delayed and that always sucks, but it won’t really disrupt our trip so that’s ok.
We took off and made a slight turn towards the west.
It was a pretty quick climb as we passed through a few layers of clouds. It really is a nice day for flying up here, clear blue sky.
Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class In Seat Entertainment
Like I said earlier, the in seat entertainment is one major area where the Swiss A330 is starting to show it’s age. The screens are plenty large, but they are older and are prone to glare. The selection of movies and shows was adequate, not what I would call extensive, but good enough for this flight.
The selection of movies and shows was adequate, not what I would call extensive, but good enough for this flight. I put on “Neighbors” with Seth Rogen, they also had “Neighbors 2” that I followed up with. Not bad over all, dumb humor that’ you’d expect.
Under the arm rest there is a remote for the entertainment system. I didn’t bother as it’s touch screen and plenty close enough to use.
Swiss Business Class Lunch Service
About 35 minutes after take off, the flight attendants came around and started their lunch service. This began with drinks and nuts. I opted for an IPA. I like that most airlines these days are starting to carry better beers than in the past.
Next came table cloths in preparation for our meals.
The appetizer, cheese, and salad came on the first tray. This was the okonomiyaki, while it was cold, I kinda liked it. I really liked the salad dressing, it’s labeled as “French Dressing” but is not what we in the US would know as French dressing. Next came the main, I had opted for the beef. Sadly I forgot to take a picture of this. It was pretty good, but nothing spectacular.
Lastly was desert. This I enjoyed despite it being white cholate.
I did enjoy this meal, but it was somewhat forgettable. Nothing really felt special but was perfectly pleasant.
I did like the little Swiss logo on the napkin.
Outside it’s again nice and smooth as we’re well above any clouds at this point.
Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Lavatory
There are a couple bathrooms to choose from in the business class cabin, all are about the same. Perfectly fine space for the use. Throughout the flight they were kept clean and well stocked.
Swiss Air Lines Business Class Amenity Kit
The Swiss Business Class amenity kits are Victorinox branded. The same people who make Swiss Army Knives.
Like others, the kit’s bag is reusable. In this case it’s a packing cube. I like functional kits like this.
The contents are pretty normal. Socks, eye mask, tooth care kit, but there’s also a Lindor candy. I like that.
Swiss Air Lines A330 Business Class In Flight
At this point the cabin was quiet and the lights were dimmed. Most people have closed their windows and settled into the flight.
I got out the blanked and reclined my seat down to try and get a little rest. I don’t usually do too much actual sleep on these daytime west bound flights. It’s mostly just watching a movie and relaxing.
At the front of the cabin there is a snack basket along with some drinks. These are just self service for business class passengers.
Swiss Air Lines A330-300 Business Class Pre-arrival Snack
With about 90 minutes left in flight, we were offered a pre-landing snack. There were a few choices from the menu but I went with a small sandwich. I wasn’t super hungry. I also had a coke along side.
This happened as we crossed over the North East US and much of the cabin started to get up and moving.
Swiss A330-300 Business Class Arrival
With just over an hour left in flight, I put on some TV shows. Didn’t have enough time for another movie, Parks and Rec is perfect.
We started to pack up the cabin and prepare for landing. The flight attendant came back with my coat.
The double windows are nice for just relaxing and gazing at the horizon.
Next they thanked us for flying with Swiss and distributed some chocolates.
A few turns and minutes later the pilots asked for the flight attendants to be seated.
Just a few minutes later, we were on the ground here at Dulles.
Swiss Air Lines A330 Business Class Final Thoughts
No one is going to claim the Swiss business class product on the A330 is the best in the world, it’s just not. But I did enjoy it well enough. For high points, the plane was very clean, and despite it’s age, was in good condition. The meal was fine, but forgettable. The seats are not very private, especially for those sitting near to the aisle.
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